Wrist-based systems and methods to carry mobile device(s)

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are disclosed to conveniently carry a mobile device, among others, on a wrist brace. The systems include a case to enclose the mobile device and a system to wear the apparatus on a wrist. The systems comprised of the case; a case tether coupled to the case, a base with a case lock; a wristband tether coupled to a wrist brace, a flexible finger ring to loop around a finger. The flexible case lock secures the case in a closed position. Also presented, a method to carry and use the device while tether to a wrist.

BACKGROUND

The present invention pertains to wrist-based systems and methods to carry mobile device(s).

Personal electronic devices have become extremely popular, providing on-the-go entertainment and data access as well as mobile phone service. Other personal electronic devices such as music players and video players have also gained in use and popularity.

Personal electronic devices are often carried in a pocket or purse, or may be attached to a holster attached to a belt. While some cases may offer protection alone, this protection often fails to provide quick access, ease of use and may take up room in a pocket or handbag.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods are disclosed to conveniently carry a mobile device, among others, on a wrist brace. The system includes a case to secure the mobile device; a case having a hook adapted to receive a case tether in the form of a strap or ring; a base to secure a finger ring and a case lock, a wrist brace tether coupled to a wrist brace and the method to carry the case on the wrist and the case can be locked and move into a stowed position on the underside of a user's wrist.

Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the following. The flexibility of the case tether coupled to the case allows the mobile device to pivot omni-directionally facing to or facing away from the user. A base serves as the resting cradle for the case. A wrist brace can be worn on a wrist and slidably connected to the wristband tether. During use, the mobile device is inserted into the case. Next, a user slips his/her finger into the finger ring. The user then wears the wrist brace and secures the case to the wrist of the user.

The use of the Tether-housing offers further mobility. The Case can be detached from the case tether and can be carried around on its own without attaching to the palm.

The above embodiment supports carrying the mobile device while allows the hand wearing the wrist brace to perform other tasks. This method of carrying devices on the wrist minimizes the chance of an accidental dropping of the device and misplacing the device. While working with water or liquid it minimizes the chance of liquid being spilled onto and damage the device. If the case were mingled with other personal accessories in the purse or pocket, scratching the surface of the case is a real possibility but would be avoided with the using of the present system.

The carrying devices described above provides for an efficient and convenient apparatus for carrying, using, and protecting a personal electronic device that can be attached to a user's wrist.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary apparatus with a base to carry a mobile device attached to a user's wrist.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary apparatus with a base in an unlocked position and in use by a user.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary apparatus with a base and with its case detached from its base, along with finger ring, wrist brace and wristband tether.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident, however, that such embodiment(s) may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing one or more embodiments.

In the following paragraphs, the preferred embodiment will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the preferred embodiment and any equivalents thereto. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the preferred embodiment throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary apparatus with a base to carry a mobile device attached to a user's wrist. Case 206 is a Case, designed to protect a phone or a mobile device. The case 206 contains a hole 204 on the corner to accommodate for a camera built-in to the mobile device.

A case lock assembly 220 and a head retaining wall 260 secure the Case 206 to the base 202. The case lock assembly 220 comprises of an unlock switch 222 and a stop. To unlock, a user would slide the unlock switch 222 back and the case 206 is released from its locked position and the case 206 is allowed to be lifted up. The stop would prevent the unlock switch 222 from moving back more than is needed. To lock the case into the closed position, a user would align the bottom of the case 206 with the head retaining wall 260 and presses the case 206 down toward the base 202. When it reaches the locked position, the case lock assembly 220 locks the case 206 in its closed position. The location of this case lock assembly 220 at the foot of the base 202 offers a more secure locking condition for the case than would be if it were located on the other end.

The base 202 is coupled to the Case 206 by a case tether 210. Case tether 210 can be bent and twisted into any desired positions by a user. The other end of the case tether 210 is hooked into the tether-housing 208. While hooked to the tether-housing 208, the mobile device is securely attached to the base 202. The tether-housing 208 is comprises of a hook 272 surrounded by a retaining wall. The purpose of the retaining wall is to prevent the case tether 210 from unhooked accidentally. The case tether 210 can be unhooked from the tether-housing 208 by simply sliding it out from the hook 272 in the tether-housing 208.

Base 202 secures the Case 206 to a user's wrist with several components. A finger ring 218 holds the base 202 to a user's finger. On the other end, a wristband tether 228 and a wrist brace 230 secures the base 202 to a user's wrist. The wrist brace 230 can include a wristband and a strap slidably coupled to the wrist.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary apparatus with a base in an unlocked position and in use by a user. In FIG. 2, the user is typing on the mobile device or phone (not shown) with the user's fingers. The Case 206 is allowed to move unrestrained by a flexible case tether 210 (see FIG. 1 also).

The case lock assembly 220 releases the edge of the Case 206 into the opened position and allows for free movement of the case 206 thus the mobile device. Head retaining wall 260 confines the Case 206 while it is in its facedown position. While the Case is upright, the slots 238 for wristband tether 228 are revealed. These slots 238 secure the wristband tether 228 to the base 202. In turn, the wristband tether 228 is secured to the wrist brace 230. Finger ring 218 and Wrist brace 230 works together to keep the base 202 in place. As the figures demonstrate, the apparatus allows for a great range of movement of the mobile device.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary apparatus with a base and with its case detached from its base, along with a finger ring, a wrist brace and a wristband tether. The case 206 depicted is not connected to the case tether 210.

FIG. 3 depicted the case 206 having the tether-housing 208 with its hook 272 in its center surrounded by a retaining wall. In this depiction, the space beneath the hook is hollowed out to reduce the height requirement of the tether-housing 208. This hollowed out is optional. This image also shows the flexible finger ring 218 and the wrist brace 230. The Wrist brace 230 is secured to base 202 by a wristband tether 228, which connects with slots 238 on the base 202. Wrist brace 230 would be strapped around a user's wrist and be secured by two straps of Velcro: one with microscopic hooks 242 and another strip with microscopic loops 244 as illustrated. The brace 230 slidably engages the wristband tether 228 to allow movement of the case 206. In one embodiment, the wristband tether 228 forms a loop around the wrist brace 230 and the loop can slide around the wrist brace 230. The wrist brace 230 wraps around the user's wrist as shown in FIG. 1. and FIG. 2.

Tethers 210, 218, 228 and wrist brace 230 may be fabricated from any suitable material or a combination of webbing, leather, fabric, plastic, a strap, a string, a ring, cloth or rubber band or synthetic materials.

The mechanism of the closures 210,218, 228 and 242 and 244 of wrist brace 230 in one embodiment is comprised of a strap loop, a band with Velcro type of loops on one side and hooks on another, a belt and a buckle, a button and buttonhole or a snap button and receptacle type of configurations. In another embodiment, the coupling is comprised of threaded loop and stitching/gluing and clips. Other embodiments may be by a variety of means to accomplish the task of coupling. The wrist brace 230 is pivotably and rotatably coupled to one end of the base.

In order to provide the best viewing and typing angles, the system flexibly allows the Case to face and pivot in omni-directions.

To offer further mobility and with the use of the Tether-housing, the Case can be detached from the case tether. The case can then be carried around on its own without attaching to the palm. The above embodiment supports carrying the mobile device with or without coupling with a finger ring while allows the hand wearing the case attached to a wrist to perform other tasks. During use, the mobile device is inserted into the case housing which is secured to the base. Next, a user slips his/her finger into the finger ring that secures the base to the finger. The user then wears the wrist brace and secures it to the wrist of the user.

The apparatus described above provides for an efficient and a convenient apparatus for carrying, using, and protecting a personal mobile device such as a cell phone or a camera attached to a user's wrist. These features allow the user to type, take pictures, and complete other activities with ease.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example of the preferred embodiment, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that may be included in the embodiment. The present system is not restricted to the illustrated example designs or configurations, but the desired features may be implemented using a variety of alternative designs and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations may be implemented to implement the desired features of the present apparatus. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

Although the above system is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead may be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present system should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term “module” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, may be combined in a single package or separately maintained and may further be distributed across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives may be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.

The foregoing description of various disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. The description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Various modifications and alterations of the above apparatus will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the accompanying claims. It should be noted that steps recited in any method claims below do not necessarily need to be performed in the order that they are recited. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize variations in performing the steps from the order in which they are recited. In addition, the lack of mention or discussion of a feature, step, or component provides the basis for claims where the absent feature or component is excluded by way of a proviso or similar claim language. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus to carry a mobile device, comprising: a case to enclose the mobile device having a tether-housing; a flexible case tether or ring adaptably coupled to a base on one end and the other to the tether-housing on the case; a base with a case lock and having slots for coupling: to a case tether; to a finger ring; and to a wristband tether; a case lock to keep the case in a closed position; a finger ring sized to be wearable on a finger; a wristband tether slidably coupled to a wrist brace and comprising of a flexible strap; a wrist brace slidably coupled to the wrist.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a tether-housing forming a part of the case having a hook or a bar in its center and surrounded by a retaining wall.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a case lock located at the foot of the base for extra security.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the finger ring holds the apparatus to a user's finger.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wristband tether forms a loop around the wrist brace and the loop slides along the wrist brace.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a wrist brace secured to the base by a wristband tether.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the Wrist brace is strapped around a user's wrist and is secured by: two straps of one with microscopic hooks and another strip with microscopic loops or the wrist brace can also be secured by a belt and a buckle; a button and a buttonhole; a snap button and a receptacle; or any other coupling device that can secure the wrist brace to the wrist.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the finger ring, the tethers and wrist brace are fabricated using a material or a combination of materials from the group consisting of: leather, metal, webbing, strap, string, fabric, plastic, cloth, rubber and/or synthetic materials.
 9. A method of carrying a mobile device or cell phone, comprising: inserting the mobile device into a case, wherein the case having a tether-housing adaptably coupled to a case tether; the flexible case tether is coupled to a base; a base having a case lock and couplings for a case tether, a wristband tether and a finger ring; a wristband tether slidably coupled to a wrist brace on one end and the other to the base, the tethers and wrist brace are comprising of flexible straps; a finger ring sized to be wearable on a finger; a case lock to keep the case in a closed position; and a wrist brace slidably coupled to the wrist; and attaching and securing the apparatus to a wrist.
 10. The method of claim 9, comprising securing the apparatus to a finger.
 11. The method of claim 9, comprising rotating the mobile device carried in the apparatus to view and face the images omni-directionally to a user.
 12. The method of claim 9, comprising flexibly extending the case from the palm of the hand to a comfortable viewing position.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the apparatus can be coupled to and carried by either left or right wrist.
 14. The method of claim 9, comprising protecting the mobile device from misplacement or fracturing due to accidental dropping and unforeseeable scratching damages while being enclosed by the case by wearing the apparatus on a user's wrist. 